Last night Amber and Zac invited Mike and I over for dinner, so Mike had a little "Ethan time" and I know that lifted Mike's spirits. Then this evening Matt and Drew stopped in, so Mike got a little bit of "Drew Time". After Jill got off work, she brought Quizno sandwiches for all of us for supper. We felt spoiled! That was a big help, after a full day of work. Initially, Mike was wanting nothing more than a Tuna Fish sandwich for dinner. I'm afraid I'm going to forget how to cook!

Mike attempted to eat part of his sandwich tonight, but actually only ended up eating just a few bites. It's troubling me how little he is eating. He tells me if he tries to eat more, he feels stuffed and miserable, so the only things that seem to appeal to him lately, and do best, are soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, small bites of chicken, and Italian food. I'm trying to push Ensure shakes at him, but when I'm home at lunch, he tells me he's too full to drink one. I understand that, so I suggest he drink a shake around 10 and 3, but most times he forgets.

I'm afraid he has become dehydrated again. I can tell by the sound of his voice. I'm going to lean on him over the weekend, to drink more but I have a feeling he will need to get Intravenous fluids at the beginning of next week regardless.

I actually worked a full work week for me, for the first time since I was hired (May). FBCR has been so understanding and patient with me, as I've dealt with the recent hospitalizations with Mike. My mind as been so divided learning this new job. I'm blessed to work with such wonderful, supportive, and understanding staff. This job came from God's hand, and I'm so grateful. I want nothing more than to be a blessing to them.

I'm excited though, to have a couple of days off, so I can catch up on house work, paper work, and maybe even a little lawn work, if the weather isn't too hot. And I'm hoping my high strung Cocker Spaniels will allow me to sleep beyond 5:45 a.m. for a change. I really could use a good nights rest to recharge!

It would be such a blessing if you could pray for Mike's hunger and thirst to increase, and that he would not suffer constant indigestion and hiccups after he eats (despite 2 Nexium). These hiccups have been keeping us both awake lately.

I'm so grateful to know so many of you continue to open your heart to me, being a shoulder I can lean on, and an ear to listen, as I voice my fears and struggles. I know so many of you want to help us, and would like for us to speak up, and let you know what our needs are. But, it's hard to know what to ask for, when my mind is just full of so many concerns. The little things do so much. Your sweet notes encourage our hearts. You already are a blessing, and I'm deeply grateful for every act of love.